Aurora Innovation: Now Using Driverless Trucks In Texas

Aurora Innovation Launches First Commercial Driverless Trucking Service in the U.S.

Driverless Trucking in Texas Starts Between Dallas and Houston

Aurora Innovation, Inc. has launched its first commercial self-driving trucking service in Texas. The company is now making regular round trips between Dallas and Houston using fully autonomous Class 8 trucks. These trucks run without a human driver on public highways.

So far, the Aurora Driver system has completed more than 1,200 miles without a person behind the wheel. This milestone makes Aurora the first company to operate a commercial self-driving freight service with heavy-duty trucks on public roads in the United States.

Aurora plans to expand this service. It expects to begin running routes to El Paso, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, by the end of 2025.

Aurora Innovation: Technology and Industry Partnerships

Aurora’s self-driving system is called the Aurora Driver. It is a Level 4 autonomous system. This means it can operate without human help in certain conditions. The system is currently being used in long-haul trucking.

The company believes the technology could help with problems facing the trucking industry. These include a shortage of drivers, high turnover rates, and rising costs. The Aurora Driver is designed to provide safe and reliable capacity while helping the industry handle these challenges.

Aurora’s first customers are Uber Freight and Hirschbach Motor Lines. Both companies previously ran supervised pilot programs with Aurora.

“When Uber Freight and Aurora came together more than four years ago, we set out to transform the future of logistics—and today, that future is here,” said Lior Ron, Founder and CEO of Uber Freight. “Moving autonomous commercial freight without anyone behind the wheel is a historic step forward in our mission to build a smarter and more efficient supply chain, and one we’re proud to lead alongside Aurora.”

“Aurora’s transparent, safety-focused approach to delivering autonomous technology has always given me confidence they’re doing this the right way,” said Richard Stocking, CEO of Hirschbach Motor Lines. “Transforming an old school industry like trucking is never easy, but we can’t ignore the safety and efficiency benefits this technology can deliver. Autonomous trucks aren’t just going to help grow our business – they’re also going to give our drivers better lives by handling the lengthier and less desirable routes.”

Safety Process Behind Driverless Launch

Before launching driverless operations, Aurora completed a detailed safety review. This process is called a safety case. It involves gathering evidence to show that a product is safe for use on public roads. Aurora also published a Driverless Safety Report. The report explains how the Aurora Driver works and how it handles important safety issues. These include cybersecurity, remote assistance, and emergency situations.

Aurora shared its safety plans with multiple government and law enforcement groups. These include:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• Local Texas Law Enforcement

• Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS)

• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)

Aurora says it will continue to work with officials and stakeholders as it expands its routes.

Texas Welcomes Aurora Innovation

Texas Governor Greg Abbott commented on Aurora’s launch. He praised Texas as a leader in technology and innovation. He said the state’s business-friendly environment helps attract companies like Aurora.

“These new, autonomous semis on the I-45 corridor will efficiently move products, create jobs, and help make our roadways safer,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed, and the Aurora Driver will further spur economic growth and job creation in Texas. Together through innovation, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Texas for generations.”

Inside the Aurora Driver System

The Aurora Driver uses powerful computers and sensors. These tools help the system detect road conditions far in advance. The sensors can see as far as four football fields away. This allows the truck to safely handle high-speed highway driving.

In the past four years, the system has operated under supervision for over three million miles. During that time, it delivered more than 10,000 customer loads. The system has shown it can handle real-world challenges. These include predicting red-light runners, avoiding crashes, and spotting pedestrians in the dark.

Aurora uses what it calls “Verifiable AI.” This approach blends artificial intelligence with safety checks. These checks help the system follow road rules, like yielding to emergency vehicles. Verifiable AI was also key to completing Aurora’s safety case.

Aurora Innovation: Truck Design and Manufacturing

Aurora’s trucks are built with safety in mind. Each one includes backup systems for steering, braking, power, computing, cooling, and communication. These features allow the truck to keep operating safely even if one system fails.

The Aurora Driver hardware kit was tested and approved for use on public roads. Aurora works with truck makers to build new vehicles designed specifically for autonomous driving. The goal is to create a system that can be produced and deployed on a large scale.

Aurora plans to share more updates during its next business review. The company’s Q1 earnings call will include additional information about the launch and future operations.